Governor Ernie Fletcher’s Communications Office Governor Fletcher Delivers More Than $1.3 Million to the Bluegrass Area Development District

Press Release Date:

Thursday, October 26, 2006

Contact Information:

Jodi Whitaker502-564-2611

Jason Keller502-564-2081

Funds will be used to support local public safety efforts

FRANKFORT, Ky. – During a visit today to the Bluegrass Area Development District’s (BGADD) Quarterly Meeting in Lexington, Governor Ernie Fletcher presented a $1,377,622.50 ceremonial homeland security check to provide mobile data computers (MDCs) for first responders in the 17-county region. The state homeland security grant will purchase nearly 140 MDCs to be installed in response vehicles throughout the area.

“Ensuring the safety and security of Kentuckians is one of my administration’s top priorities,” said Governor Fletcher. “It is essential that our public safety personnel have the tools they need to communicate effectively to help us prevent crime and respond to emergencies. Our state’s Area Development Districts are a key partner in this effort and I am proud of the work being done to improve public safety right here in central Kentucky.”

MDCs in the roadside environment are the fastest emerging technology tool to assist first responders. They provide a wide array of options useful to first responders, including the ability to send and receive critical and timely reports and provide a redundant means of communication beyond voice radio communications capabilities.

This year, more than 69 percent of all discretionary homeland security dollars distributed by the Kentucky Office of Homeland Security were invested in support of enhanced communications capabilities for Kentucky’s first responders and 9-1-1 upgrades. Kentucky has invested a total of $6.47 million in state homeland security funds to purchase mobile data computers for first responders in 2006.

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The Kentucky Office of Homeland Security has been charged by Governor Fletcher to lead the Commonwealth's coordination and collaboration efforts with public and private preparedness partners to ensure Kentucky is Ready and Prepared. For more information about homeland security in Kentucky, please visit www.homelandsecurity.ky.gov.